Resolve To Make a Difference: Where To Volunteer in Brandon

'Tis the season to start anew, and to feel better about yourself and the town in which you live. What better way to give back, and get more deeply rooted in civic and social affairs, than to volunteer in your community?

Here's a list of where your services are greatly appreciated in the Greater Brandon area and beyond:

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Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO)

• ECHO is a food pantry and clothing assistance source for residents of the Greater Brandon area who have experienced a recent emergency. Founded in 1987, the nonprofit has part-time volunteer work and four regular weekly positions to fill: clothing sorter, clothing hanger/client checkout; food bank volunteer; and administrative helper. Special events are held yearly as well. Help is needed, too, for groups to participate in volunteer projects, including putting "kits" together for hurricane assistance and for children and the homeless. For information, visit ECHO's list of volunteer opportunities. ECHO is at 507 North Parsons Ave., north of Brandon Boulevard (State Road 60).

• See

• See ECHO Grows With Client Service Center

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Cynthia Pinckney Ministries

• Volunteer training is available at the newly opened storefront for Cynthia Pinckney Ministires in the Greater Brandon area. The ministry strives to serve "the homeless, needy, hungry and displaced in a more excellent and efficient manner." The ministry is at 12008 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Seffner.

• See Cynthia Pinckney Ministries Opens Storefront Aid in Seffner

• See

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Greater Brandon Community Foundation / Brandon Foundation

• Founded in 2003, the Brandon Foundation's mission is "to improve the quality of life and shape the future of our community by creating public awareness, developing resources and supporting initiatives to address local needs." The foundation's Angel Program helps families in the Greater Brandon area who have suffered a catastrophic event, such as a life-threatening disease, fire or flood. Realizing money is not the only thing needed during a time of crisis, the program, with volunteer and business support, aims to meet practical needs, as well, such as painting, plumbing, lawn, electrical, babysitting, house cleaning and transportation services.

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Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Organization

• Established in 1976, Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association is a not-for-profit organization whose members are dedicated to the promotion of the fine arts and civic involvement. Center Place offers cultural enrichment opportunities for all ages through a variety of programs including original art exhibits, art education and the performing arts. Volunteer opportunities include work at the Pat's Corner gift shop, named posthumously for Patricia B. Odiorne, an early suporter of Center Place.

• See Center Place Volunteers Feted at Appreciation Luncheon

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The Community Roundtable

• The Community Roundtable is one of the oldest organizations in Brandon, founded to serve as an umbrella organization for the presidents of local nonprofits. The group today is open to all civic-minded residents. The roundtable organizes and presents the annual Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade and Community Affairs Dinner. The group meets Wednesday nights at Center Place.

• See What a Parade It Was! Brandon Shows Up in Force for July 4th Parade

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The Greater Brandon area has many service clubs and organizations that work to improve and support community life and the lot of others. Here's a sampling of groups that are membership-based and community driven:

• The Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, meets Thursday mornings at Ben's Family Restaurant in Brandon.

• The Rotary Club of Brandon South, meets Wednesdays at noon at the Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club in Valrico.

• The Rotary Club of Brandon '86, meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at The Bridges, at 11202 Dewhurst Drive in the Greater Brandon area of Riverview, off Bloomingdale Avenue betwen Watson and Providence roads.

• The Rotary Club of Brandon, meets Tuesdays at noon at Barnacles, 926 Providence Road in Brandon.

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Where do you volunteer? Add your group or organization's name and information to the comment box below.

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